Here’s a classic, moist chocolate cake recipe that works for layer cakes, sheet cakes, or cupcakes:
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the chocolate frosting:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (more if needed)
Instructions
1. Bake the cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin—that’s okay!).
- Divide batter evenly between pans.
- Bake 30–35 minutes (or 25–30 for cupcakes) until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Make the frosting
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing on low.
- Add vanilla and cream, then beat on high 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
3. Assemble
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly on top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides.
- Optional: decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries.
✅ Tips for a super moist cake:
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour.
- Boiling water helps bloom the cocoa for richer chocolate flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
If you want, I can also give a one-bowl, super fudgy chocolate cake recipe that’s even quicker and doesn’t require layering—it’s basically foolproof. Do you want me to share that version?
